day 223

dead spotted lantern fly

it’s so beautiful 
deceptively destructive 
marked for swift slaughter 

~kat

At first glance, finding this insect filled me with awe. It is so colorful…so beautiful. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a spotted lantern fly. I was relieved that it was already dead. The park service has deemed this beautiful bug invasive, a threat to local crops and trees. Those who find them are advised to eliminate them swiftly. At least I didn’t need to squish it under my shoe. I hate that feeling, and the sound. I might be tempted after finding a live one to leave it alone.

Who am I to decide that this bug should not exist. After all, their favorite vegetation to devour are trees-of-heaven…an invasive, fast growing tree, abundant in the woods where I live. They have a shallow, but vast widespread root system that makes them hard to uproot. It would seem as if nature knew what she was doing by placing these formidable invaders in close proximity to each other. The issue is that the spotted lantern flies have an expanded diet…decimating other trees and plants. Meanwhile the trees of heaven flourish unabated. And humans, being the control freaks that we are with an affinity for cultured lawns and pristine landscapes, make it our mission to control nature. Sometimes I wonder who’s invading who! No need to answer that. I already know the answer. I learn a new thing every day. How magnificent and efficient the natural world is. That’s my glimmer for today.

Rest in peace little spotted lantern fly. You were just living your life to the fullest doing what instinct and evolution informed you to do. Even in death you are beautiful. A glimmer even!

Much love, peace, and glimmers to you.

~kat✨✨✨💚💚💚✨✨✨